Car Breakdown: Keeping your car safe and reliable from ASDA Finance
Keeping your car safe, reliable and on the road
They’re parked outside in all weathers, braving ice, rain and blazing sun. Washed once a month, and serviced only when the annual MOT test comes around.
This is the tough life of many a family car. It’s no wonder cars still break down – and car breakdown cover is an essential component in the driver’s tool kit. But with a bit of care and attention, you can reduce the risk of getting stranded, and keep your motor running sweetly.
Tried and tested?
All cars aged three years and more face an annual MOT test – and many of us will assume the condition of our vehicle is tip-top once it has got through.
But the MOT simply means a car met minimum environmental and safety standards on the day of its test. And if you’re not having your car serviced at regular intervals, 12 months is a long time for tyres, brakes, steering and suspension parts to deteriorate.
Taking an interest all year round will help prevent car breakdown, and big bills are avoided. Here are our top tips:
Listen out for trouble
Investigate squeaks, squeals, scraping and banging noises. If your car has developed a fault, it will only get worse if ignored. That banging from the back of the car could be a faulty suspension component, while a squeal could be an engine drive belt on its way out. Identify the problem, or take the car to someone who can.
Keep it topped up
Modern cars have lengthy service intervals: 20,000 miles between engine oil changes is not uncommon. An engine can burn a lot of oil in that time, so check your oil level using the dipstick at least once a month, and top up as necessary. Likewise coolant, brake fluid and power-steering fluid levels must be maintained to help prevent breakdown.
Don’t fall flat
Tyres are your car’s only contact point with the road. Pumped up too hard, and a tyre will lose grip, and runs more risk of being damaged by potholes. Too soft, and your car’s handling will be compromised, and the engine will use more fuel. Check your tyre pressures once a fortnight with a quality pressure gauge.
Tread carefully
Tyre condition is also crucial. UK law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central three-quarters of the tyre. It’s also good practice to regularly check your tyres for cuts, bulges and embedded nails or glass. A nail can cause a slow puncture, or sit unnoticed for weeks before causing the tyre to fail.
Wipe clean
Windscreen wipers generally last between 12 and 18 months. Longer than this and they will smear – which reduces your visibility. Changing wipers is a DIY job, if you follow the instructions.
Body beautiful
Regular car washing not only keeps paintwork in good condition, it allows you to spot scratches, and treat them, before rust forms. One common area for rust is on wheel arches. This is caused by a build-up of mud – make sure you wash this off when cleaning.
Demand good service
If you’re servicing your car only once a year, which may coincide with an MOT if it’s an older model, your car’s components will have a long time to deteriorate. Once the car is on a ramp a mechanic can spot damage and wear to suspension, exhaust, brake and steering components that you may miss. Consider having your car checked every six months, even if your car’s service intervals don’t demand it.
Stay safe
Taking these simple steps should help reduce the risk of unwanted hiccups on the road. If things don’t go to plan you can make sure you’re prepared with Asda Breakdown cover. To find out more get a breakdown cover quote!
